EURO 2012/ UEFA, Investigates banana claims

UEFA is 'looking into' claims a banana was thrown on to the pitch during Italy's Euro 2012 game against Croatia on Thursday.

A photographer was reported to have witnessed a steward retrieving a banana in the 1-1 Group C draw in Poznan as well as hearing monkey chants directed at Italy striker Mario Balotelli.
European football's governing body confirmed it was aware of the claims, saying: "We are looking into the reports."

If Thursday's alleged banana-throwing incident was intended as an insult towards Balotelli, it would arguably represent the most serious bout of racism at a tournament that has been dogged by the problem.

Balotelli said before Euro 2012 that he would "kill" anyone who threw a banana at him in the street and would "not accept racism at all".

Allegations

UEFA is already probing allegations of racist abuse against the Manchester City striker in Italy's opening match against Spain on Sunday.

Purchased by AS Monaco from FC Seville in summer 2013, on a 20 million euros payment, French central midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia (22) might now leave for the same price before next September. An item of interest for Manchester United and Arsenal, as well as for Everton, the pla